With LeBron James headed to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to figure out the direction of the franchise for the foreseeable future. Although the Cavaliers still want to make a run for the playoffs in a dilapidated Eastern Conference this upcoming season, their only other option is to begin the rebuilding process. It starts by parting ways with their most valuable assets, starting with Kevin Love.
Love, who has a player option for the 2019-20 season worth $25.6 million, is a five-time All-Star and only 29 years old. There should be takers willing to try and make a deal with the Cavaliers despite his high price tag, however, it all depends on what direction the front office wants to go. According to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavs will not pull the trigger on a trade involving Love unless they are “blown away” by the deal. “Unless they get blown away by an offer, I think they'll open the season with Love," a well-known NBA executive told him.
Much like the San Antonio Spurs’ situation with Kawhi Leonard, the Cavaliers need to understand that the perfect deal for Love is unattainable. The Cavs will receive something of value in return for Love, but it won’t blow them away. Just look at previous deals involving Paul George and Carmelo Anthony last year. If Cleveland wants to fully embark on a rebuild, it starts with getting promising, young pieces, draft picks, and sometimes expiring contracts to free up cap space in the future. Not quite the impressive package that they would want for Love, but a rebuild can be a tedious process.
